UFC Announces TUF: Australia vs. UK ‘The Smashes’ Cast

The UFC on Tuesday released both the Australian and U.K. teams will comprise the upcoming The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK season titled The Smashes. The Australian team will be coached by George Sotiropoulos, while Ross Pearson takes charge of the U.K. team.

“It’s a really diverse group of guys on the team, but the thing that’s uniting them is that everyone’s motivated and focused,” said Sotiropoulos. “There’s a lot of personal and national pride at stake, but they’re going into the competition with a positive attitude and are really pulling together as a team. I’m very impressed by their maturity.”

U.K. coach Ross Pearson, however, is confident of his teams chances. “Having been where they are, I know exactly what the guys are facing. They’re taking it all in their stride and, despite being so far from home, they’re eager to prove themselves, so morale is high. They each bring unique strengths to the team so the sparks are really going to fly when they meet the Aussies in the Octagon.”

Filming for the series has already began in Sydney, Australia. It will air on FX in Australia on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. AEST. The Smashes premiers on Sept. 19.